President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson Khusela Diko has confirmed that a Union Building employee has tested positive for the coronavirus.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the presidency confirmed that the individual had tested positive.

"Public and staff access to the Union Buildings is currently limited following the confirmation that a staff member has tested positive for Covid-19. In line with government’s guidelines on the management of Covid-19 cases, steps have been taken to secure treatment of the relevant staff member and to provide support to the member’s family."

The presidency assured the public that every effort has been undertaken to get the situation under control.

"Steps have also been taken to ensure that officials who have contact with the staff member are screened. The Presidency’s Pandemic Task Team, established to assist in managing all Covid-19 related matters, proactively initiated a process of disinfection and deep cleaning of all The Presidency facilities. This process commenced on Tuesday, 28 April 2020."

While the incident raised concerns, the statement assured South Africans that both the President and Deputy President David Mabuza had been working remotely.

"Access to the Union Buildings is therefore limited to exceptional interactions. The President and Deputy President have been working remotely and not from the Union Buildings since the start of lockdown. The Presidency wishes the affected colleague a speedy recovery."

Briefly.co.za reported that the Western Cape, where the building is situated, has been recording the highest number of Covid-19 cases and deaths nationwide.

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